President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured Filipino seafarers and the maritime industry that the country and his administration stand firmly behind them.
This declaration of support was made during the celebration of National Maritime Week at the Philippine Maritime Convention (Philmarcon) 2026 at The Manila Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
In his speech, Marcos affirmed that the government, in partnership with shipping leaders, maritime employers, and trade unions, will continue preserving the hard-earned reputation of Filipino seafarers.
According to Marcos, keeping the Philippines as a leading global maritime player entails both commitment and responsibility.
Among the initiatives implemented by the government is a landmark measure for the maritime workforce: Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
“As we commemorate its second anniversary, we renew our commitment to uphold the rights, welfare, safety, and dignity of our seafarers,” Marcos said.
Marcos also noted current challenges faced by seafarers, including digitalization and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe.
“The maritime sector is in a period of profound change. Their work has become complex, and in some cases, dangerous. Digitalization is changing the skills that the industry requires,” Marcos said. “Our seafarers have found themselves caught in armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, attacks, and other security incidents they did not create and in which they had no part. Some have suffered injuries, while others have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We honor their service and their courage, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families that they have left behind. In moments like this, we are reminded that no maritime industry can truly be sustainable if the people who keep it moving are left vulnerable,” he added.
Government Efforts for the Maritime Sector
Marcos affirmed that systems to protect and support seafarers have been in place since the beginning of his administration.
These include the strengthened implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention and Code, as well as the signing of the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Sea-Based Rules and updated Standard Employment Contracts for Overseas Filipino Seafarers.
The government also established a dedicated Seafarers’ Welfare Center to provide welfare, training, healthcare, and legal support services for Filipino seafarers and their families.
Meanwhile, the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have heightened safeguards for seafarers while strengthening capacity for emergency repatriation from identified war-risk areas. Upon arrival in the Philippines, a Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program provides livelihood, wellness, financial literacy, and other assistance based on seafarers' needs and skills.
This includes the 2026 LIKHAng MARINO Business Plan Competition, which offers returning Filipino seafarers business coaching, technical guidance, and seed capital for winning proposals.
“We also recognize that protecting our seafarers goes hand-in-hand with strengthening our local maritime industry. We are improving certification and licensing and providing regulatory relief to help domestic shipping remain safe and competitive,” Marcos said.
“But government cannot do this by itself. This is precisely why gatherings such as this convention are very, very important. The government, employers, shipowners, labor, and education and training institutions each have an important role to play. Through it all, our seafarers themselves remain at the heart of all these efforts,” he added.
“Let us ensure that every Filipino who sails under the Philippine flag, or represents the Philippines aboard an international vessel, carries the confidence that their country stands behind them. They have spent generations connecting the Philippines to the world. We owe it to them to build a system worthy of their sacrifice, their trust, and their dreams,” Marcos concluded.
Philmarcon, themed “Sailing Forward: The Philippines as the Global Leader in Seafarer Welfare, Protection and Maritime Excellence,” was organized by a maritime tripartite group composed of government representatives, employers, and labor unions.
The event was led by the DMW as the lead convenor, alongside the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and the Joint Manning Group (JMG) as co-convenors.
Watch the full address on the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026 Speech to see President Marcos deliver these remarks live at The Manila Hotel.
